Author Question: Discuss one example of a difference between males and females that used to be considered hard-wired ... (Read 30 times)

cookcarl

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 539
Discuss one example of a difference between males and females that used to be considered hard-wired but is now considered to be the result of social factors.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Summarize the theoretical discussion of differences, or lack of differences, in self-esteem and self-confidence between men and women.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Jody Vaughn

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 344
Answer to Question 1

Answer: There are probably several examples the student could draw on, but the one most documented in the textbook is the question of spatial orientation. For some time there has been a consistent, if small, difference noted in the speed with which the two sexes are able to rotate objects mentally. Recent research has suggested that this effect is influenced by the situation. For example, if both sexes are given an opportunity to practice this skill, the differences disappear. Also interesting is that if the object is made of human figures instead of abstract blocks, the differences are eliminated. Even framing the task as an evaluation of mental abilities, the difference is eliminated. Differences on the task then can be seen as conceptual or social, not perceptual.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: The book suggests that this is one of the most interesting differences. There is a slight trend for men to report higher self-esteem, but it varies with age. The largest effect is at about 15-18 years old and the d=.30. There are also situational effects. Women are less likely to state a strong position of self-confidence if it is made public or if it is made in front of someone who is weaker. What is particularly interesting is that under no conditions are there significant differences in actual performance. Recent research suggests that part of these effects are due to men overestimating their chances of success and women underestimating theirs.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

The Romans did not use numerals to indicate fractions but instead used words to indicate parts of a whole.

Did you know?

Every flu season is different, and even healthy people can get extremely sick from the flu, as well as spread it to others. The flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Every person over six months of age should get an annual flu vaccine. The vaccine cannot cause you to get influenza, but in some seasons, may not be completely able to prevent you from acquiring influenza due to changes in causative viruses. The viruses in the flu shot are killed—there is no way they can give you the flu. Minor side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given. It is possible to develop a slight fever, and body aches, but these are simply signs that the body is responding to the vaccine and making itself ready to fight off the influenza virus should you come in contact with it.

Did you know?

Patients who cannot swallow may receive nutrition via a parenteral route—usually, a catheter is inserted through the chest into a large vein going into the heart.

Did you know?

Since 1988, the CDC has reported a 99% reduction in bacterial meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae, due to the introduction of the vaccine against it.

Did you know?

In the United States, congenital cytomegalovirus causes one child to become disabled almost every hour. CMV is the leading preventable viral cause of development disability in newborns. These disabilities include hearing or vision loss, and cerebral palsy.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library